In Bangladesh headlines are dominated by violence: Secular bloggers murdered by extremists, opponents of the government disappear, the Hindu minority is under attack. Why is Bangladesh finding it harder and harder to reconcile democracy and religion?

Saudi Arabia steps up its green ambitions by planting thousands of trees in the world's largest saxaul botanical garden, winning itself a Guinness record.

The front pages continue their focus on Vladimir Putin's bloody offensive in Ukraine. We also look at how Poland is enjoying positive publicity for a change and hoping to redeem itself in the eyes of the EU after years of strained ties. Finally, we see how supermarkets are calling for an iconic British dish – chicken Kiev – to be renamed chicken Kyiv in honour of its Ukrainian spelling.

The coalition fighting in Yemen said Houthi hit several economic facilities in Saudi Arabia. This comes days after the rebels rejected a GCC invitation for talks on the conflict.

After first appearing in China more than two years ago, Covid-19 has returned to the Middle Kingdom. The country had largely succeeded in keeping infection and mortality rates in check. But in recent weeks, the Omicron variant has posed a significant challenge to the country's zero-Covid strategy. Once again, harsh lockdowns and restrictions are being enforced. We take a closer look.

The omicron variant is driving case numbers in parts of China to levels not seen since coronavirus first emerged. But keeping case numbers at near zero means continued disruptions and lockdowns.

Yemen's Houthi rebels say they carried out several attacks on Friday, the largest being on an oil storage and shipping facility in Jiddah. Sunday's F1 Grand Prix there will go ahead as scheduled, say organizers.

The Saudi-led coalition said it wants to facilitate political talks and peacemaking efforts during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The Houthi rebels have rejected the cease-fire offer.

A recent high-profile strike on an oil depot in Jeddah by Houthi rebels has underlined Saudi Arabia's military defense vulnerability — and threatens its reputation as a global investment location.

DW speaks to Ben Cowling of the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong.

Some coronavirus restrictions are being eased in Shanghai, despite the Chinese city reporting recent record highs of new cases. Residents have grown increasingly frustrated as they've struggled to find enough food and medicine. We get analysis from Carl Minzner, senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at Fordham Law School specialising in Chinese politics and law.

The Saudi capital is changing, as demonstrated by the MDLBeast Soundstorm festival, an electronic dance music event held late last year on the outskirts of Riyadh. After trying to diversify its oil-dependent economy, Saudi authorities are now looking to develop the entertainment industry. Partying legally in Riyadh is rare, but is now possible. However, human rights groups are warning that this change, however welcome, should not overshadow the kingdom's crackdown on free speech. Our regional correspondent reports.